Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
