Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
