Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
