Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
