Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
