Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever 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 of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of 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 regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
