Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up 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 that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
