For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
