Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was 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!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
