Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
