Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "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 films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical 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 any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
