Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
