Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
