Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
