For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
