Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet 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 my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
