Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting 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 remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
