Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
