For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. 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 subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed 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 purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
