Typically, 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 exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. 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 general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
