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 proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
