For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, 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 via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
