For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives 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 regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
