For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting 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 entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
