Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
