Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new 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 a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
