Typically, 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 feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
