Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
