Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
