For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic 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 in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
