Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment 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 reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
