Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning 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 pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
