For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
