Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
