Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains 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 remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
