Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are 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 entertaining
