For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 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 what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
