For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "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. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
