Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone 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 on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
