For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted 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, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
