For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only 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 real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals 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—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
