Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
