For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
