For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
