Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
