Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
