Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, 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 often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
