Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
