Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although 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 purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
