Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
