For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
