For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation 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 end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
