Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even 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 defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
