Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch 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 a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
