Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
