Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys 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 popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal 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 is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
