Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious 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 prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
