Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
