Typically, 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 enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
