For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound 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 is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
