Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
