For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
