Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, 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 amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
