Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining