Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains 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 location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
