Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
