Generally speaking, 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 gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
