Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was 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 all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
