Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
