For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
