Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
