For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), 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, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
