For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
