Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
