Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
