Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
