For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
