Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome 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!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
