Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
