For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers 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—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord 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 I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
