For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation 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 movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
