Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
