Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building 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 nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
