For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome 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 often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
