For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic 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 end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
