Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
