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 feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
