Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
