Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
