For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are 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 also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion 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 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 regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
