Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
