Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
