Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "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 end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
