Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
