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, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
