Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, 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 very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
