Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
