For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical 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 head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
