For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just 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, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
