Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out 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 are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
