For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
