Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear 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 spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
