Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
