Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just 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 real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding 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 elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
