For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
