Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to 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 Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
