Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
