For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
