For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
