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, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
