Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort 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 a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
