Typically, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
