Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
