Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
