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 feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
