Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among 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 recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
