Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters 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 real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, 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 decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
