Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
