Typically, I'm over undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
