For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear 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 admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
