For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
