Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "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 movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
