For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining