Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
