For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
