Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
