Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
