For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
