Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
