For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
