Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, 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 while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
