Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation 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 end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
