Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, 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 gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
