Generally speaking, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly 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!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
