Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting 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 entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
