Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
