Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
