For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
