For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
