Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
