Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
