For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
