Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust 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 quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
