For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who 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 company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
