Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent 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 location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware 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 family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
