Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
