For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only 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 surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
