For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. 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 the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
