Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. 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. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
