Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
