Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested 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, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
