Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 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 subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic 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 apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
