For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative 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 as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments 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.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
