For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
