For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
