Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming 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 forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
