Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
