Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted 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 subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
