Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
