Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
