Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
