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 were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves 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 the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
