For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
