Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
