For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 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 and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
