Typically, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
