Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
