Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 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 defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused 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 alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
