Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
