For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals 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 genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby 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 for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
