For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when 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 brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
