Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic 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 films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
