For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic 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!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
