For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
