Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
