For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
