For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
