For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
