For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense 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 since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
