Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
