For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
