For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, 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 very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
