Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
