Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "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 loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
