For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, 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 he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
