Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
