For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
