For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic 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 end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
