Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
