For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people 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 so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much 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 isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
