Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
