Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties 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 the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
