Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward 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. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of 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 had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
