Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves 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 becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
