Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
