Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining
