Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 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 subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
