Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
