Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals 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 forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness 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 is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
