Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent 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 movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
