Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
