Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still 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 location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
