Generally speaking, 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 depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. 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 transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans 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 decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
