Typically, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
