For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
