Typically, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
