For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
