For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
