Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
