For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
