Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation 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 apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
