For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon 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 I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
