Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family 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 expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
