Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
