Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining