Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains 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 close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
