For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
