For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes 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 is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
