Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
