For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. 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 unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
