Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "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 movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
