Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although 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 lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
