Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort 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 something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
