For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
