For the most part, 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 enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. 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, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
