For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
