Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
