Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable