Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent 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 nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
