Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
