For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
