Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining