Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
