Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
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 about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
