For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
