Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 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 turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon 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 you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
