For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "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 spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
