Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
