Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
