For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
