For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
