Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any 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 an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
