Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
