For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled 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 kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
