For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes 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 since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
