For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
