Generally speaking, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. 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 flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
