Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys 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, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
