Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
