Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
