Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "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 values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
