Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus 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 everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
