For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
