Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
