Typically, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet 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 dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic 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 express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
