Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
