Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
