Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
