Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
