For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
