Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
