For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although 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 holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion 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 end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
