Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals 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 go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining