Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
