Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
