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 were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
