For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
