Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
