Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity 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 the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
