Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
