Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic 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. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
