For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
