Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
