Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort 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 something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
