Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine 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 like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
