For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
