For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been 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 enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
