For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
