For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
