Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
