For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
