Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
