For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
