Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable