Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
