Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, 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 Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
