Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters 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, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
