Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, 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 new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes 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 I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
