Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
