For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), 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 beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
