Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces 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 consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
