Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
