Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
