Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
