Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
