For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
