Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
