Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
