Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead 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 household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
