Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion 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 end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
