Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although 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. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
