For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
