For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
