For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
