For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
