Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
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 seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
