Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely 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, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
