Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
