For the most part, 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 at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
