Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested 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—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware 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 perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
