Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
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, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
