Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining