Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
