For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
