Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
