Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but 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, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
