For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains 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 quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company 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 is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus 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 since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
