For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
