For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
