Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
