Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are almost 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 choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
