For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring 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
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
