Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
