For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet 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, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
