For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
