Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
