Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the 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 proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved 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 often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
