Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
