Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
