For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
