For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. 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 over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
