Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
