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 feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
