For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
