For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable