Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted 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, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
