For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable