Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 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 subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
