For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
