Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often 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 consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
