For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties 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 in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
