For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before 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. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
