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 proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
