Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express 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 a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
