Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
