For the most part, 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 seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
