For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
