For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto 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 spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
