Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
