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 proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them 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 genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
