Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
