For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
