For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
