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 largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although 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 transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
