For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 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 my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
