For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
