Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
