Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities 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 flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of 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 had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
