For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation 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 end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
