Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial 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 what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic 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 often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
