For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
