For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
