Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
