For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values 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 agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
