For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided 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 producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
