For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
