Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
