Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
