For the most part, 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, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
