Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
