Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, 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. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
