Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
