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 mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation 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 frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
