Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
