Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
