Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable