Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. 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 an engaging and enjoyable
