Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
