For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
