For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike 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.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
