Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
