Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 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 sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
