Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
