Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still 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 location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. 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 result is a captivating and enjoyable
