Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
