Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
