For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion 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 traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
