Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
