For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
