Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
