For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
