For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
