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 gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
