For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
