Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
