Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems 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 subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
