For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
