Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
