Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still 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 nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
