Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—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 family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
