Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
