Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even 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, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
