Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
