For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
