Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
