For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about 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 agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
