Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch 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 film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
