Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer 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, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
