For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
