Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
