Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows 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 wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
