For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
