For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are 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 CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
