Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
