Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust 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 quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
