Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
