Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
