For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent 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 movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "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. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
