For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
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 subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
