Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
