Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
