For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
