For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 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, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
