Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
