Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of 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 van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express 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 doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
