For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
