Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
