Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels 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, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
