For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
