Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even 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 and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes 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 you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
