For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "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 movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
