Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they 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 rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
