Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
