Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
