Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
