Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
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 I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
