Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
