Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
