Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
