Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. 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 expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
