Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite 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 stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord 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 I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
