Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial 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 since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
