Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
