Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
