Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
