Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
