For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
