Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, 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, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
