Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
