For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. 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 a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
