Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main 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 predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
