Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
