Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
