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 depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
