For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
