For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals 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 so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
