Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
