For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
