Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
