Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
