Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
