Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves 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, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
