Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business 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 engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
