Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was 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!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
