Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters 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 surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
