For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
