Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
