Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
