For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company 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 incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation 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 end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
