Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "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. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
