Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
