Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
