For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
