Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
