For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
