Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent 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 nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
