Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
