For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
