For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
