Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable 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 the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
