Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
