Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
