Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
