For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
