Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
