For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves 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 over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic 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 end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
