Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic 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 films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
