Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
