Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
