Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful 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
