Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation 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. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
