Typically, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
