For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family 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 all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
