Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. 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 what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
