Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
