Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, 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 everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
