For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even 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, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable