Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
