Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved 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!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
