For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when 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 perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
