Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just 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 genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
