Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
