Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
