Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes 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 relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
