Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
