Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
