Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
