Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
