Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching 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 the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
