For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
