Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, 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 new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although 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 purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
