Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
